The Draco Pistol, or more commonly known as simply a Draco, named after the Dacian dragon-like battle banner,[1] is a series of Romanian-designed gas-operated semi-automatic pistols sold by Century International Arms. The weapon is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge with its design taken heavily after the AK-47. Its stockless outfit has led to its classification as a pistol, while holding a magazine of 30 rounds.
 Draco Pistol |
The Draco's presence in the US has grown in recent years, frequently serving as an icon in gang and/or trap and hip hop/rap scenes.[2][3][4] It is a popular choice among criminals and gangs. Its increased usage in violent crimes and discovery through investigations and criminal seizures has led to a noted uptake of the Draco in the US as of 2023.[5][6][7][8][9]
Origin
editThree of the four Draco models available are built in Romania by Cugir Arms Factory and imported to the United States. Century Arms produces its own US-built variant using fully American components.[10]
Presence in the United States
editThe Draco is frequently portrayed in rap songs and music videos. The online firearm retailer Gunsamerica discovered a direct correlation between Draco sales and its appearance in rap songs in 2016 and 2017.[3] In recent years, its rising use in the commission of deadly crimes, including some against police officers, has caused a stir among authorities, with many decrying its lethality obscured under the guise of a pistol classification.[7][6][5] The weapon has been noted by some for inaccuracy and an apparent lack of practical application,[11][12][13] though to some extent this could be explained by the large potential for operator error due to high recoil of a 6-inch barrel firing a rifle round without a stock.[14] It has been criticized by several police officials for its apparent lack of practical civilian application, being instead a tool of intimidation and violence.[6][7] The Detroit Police seized around 50 in the 12 months to July 2022, noting its spread.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Romanian Wikipedia: draco
- ^ "21 Savage Drops 'Brand New Draco' Video After Complaining About The World's Violence". HipHopDX. 2021-07-15. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
- ^ a b "Why Rap Is Obsessed With Dracos". Pitchfork. 2019-02-21. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
- ^ M, Sam (2018-12-30). "Draco Gun Review: Mini In Size Big In Power". Gunivore. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
- ^ a b "U.S. Attorney: Convicted felon had 'the pistol equivalent of an AK-47'". The Enquirer. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
- ^ a b c "The Draco semi-automatic used in fatal ambush of Detroit cop: 'It's there to do carnage'". www.deadlinedetroit.com. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
- ^ a b c d Jones, Ross (2022-07-07). "Draco pistol used to kill Detroit officer appearing more on city streets". WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
- ^ Dahl, Ronnie (2023-03-19). "Draco pistol recovered, man arrested following traffic stop by MSP". ABC12 WJRT-TV. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
- ^ "What we know about the guns used in Adams Street mass killing". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
- ^ "The Century Arms Draco". Faktory 47. Retrieved 2023-08-17.
- ^ Pike, Travis (2022-09-27). "Century Arms Draco Review: OG AK Pistol". Pew Pew Tactical. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
- ^ Dumbest Gun I’ve Ever Bought #shorts, retrieved 2023-08-18
- ^ Manning, Robb (2022-05-06). "Mini Draco Review: The Romanian Candle". Gun Digest. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
- ^ Micro Draco AK accuracy test, retrieved 2023-08-18